JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 08/11/09

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E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 08/11/09 Index: Democratic Party of Japan (DJP) on the move: 1) Kyodo trend poll shows DPJ pulling ahead of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as the voters' preference in the upcoming Lower House election (Tokyo Shimbun) 2) Fuji-Sankei poll shows DPJ clearly in the lead going into the election, although some independent voters have swung back toward the LDP (Sankei) 3) DPJ promises to create a "UN police force" to replace SDF overseas dispatch (Sankei) 4) DPJ President Hatoyama continues to flip-flop on the controversial issue of codifying the three non-nuclear principles (Asahi) 5) Gist of current statement of DPJ's security policy (Sankei) 6) DPJ adds growth strategy to manifesto (election campaign pledges) but omits setting numerical target (Sankei) 7) DPJ's Okada explains party's altering of proposed FTA with U.S. in manifesto (Sankei) 8) Prime Minister Aso indicates that he will not be visiting Yasukuni Shrine on August 15 (Sankei) 9) First emergency yen loan to go to Thailand (Yomiuri) Tuna dispute: 10) Japan could be greatly affected if European proposal to ban fishing of bluefin tuna is adopted (Yomiuri) 11) Japan trying to counter proposed ban on bluefins by own plan to restrict fishing (Yomiuri) Articles: DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF JAPAN (DJP) ON THE MOVE 1) Kyodo trend poll shows DPJ pulling ahead of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as the voters' preference in the upcoming Lower House election TOKYO (Page 1) (Full) August 11, 2009 A Kyodo nationwide trend poll (the fourth) conducted by telephone on August 8-9 revealed that voters preferring the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) in proportional representation districts in the Lower House election fell by 0.3 points to 34.1% compared to the last poll (August 1-2),while support for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) dropped 3.4 points to 13.3%, indicating a widening lead for the front-running DPJ. Thirty-eight percent (37.6% in the previous poll) were undecided. A similar trend was found among voters in single-seat electoral districts, with 35.2% (33.9%) of respondents choosing the DPJ and 14.8% (16.9%) the LDP. 2) DPJ continues to maintain lead, according to survey SANKEI (Top Play) (Slightly abridged) August 11, 2009 The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) is making a strong showing in the campaigning for the Aug. 30 House of Representatives election, according to a telephone survey conducted (Aug. 8-9) jointly by the Sankei Shimbun and FNN. Those who said they would vote for the DPJ TOKYO 00001825 002 OF 008 under the proportional representation segment decreased 1.3 points from the previous survey (on June 20-21) to 44.6%, but this figure was far larger than the 25.4% who picked the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The DPJ is expected to garner a large number of votes in the proportional representation segment, but the situation remains in flux, because unaffiliated voters tend to affect the outcome of a Lower House election. Concerning political parties' support rates, those who selected the DPJ stood at 31.1%, up 3 points over the previous survey, while those who picked the LDP totaled 22%, up 1.9 points. Of the respondents supportive of the LDP, 78.6% said they would vote for the LDP in the proportional representation segment, although 86.1% made this reply in the previous survey. Meanwhile, of the LDP supporters, those who replied they would vote for the DPJ increased to 11.4% from the 7.5%. The DPJ's support base remains firm. Of the supporters of the DPJ, respondents who said they would vote for the DPJ stood at 92.3%, down 2 points from the previous survey. In the case of the LDP, the rate remained at the 1% level. Even so, some LDP members have begun to sense a good response in the recent campaigning. To prove this, respondents who said they supported no party in particular decreased by 7.9 points to 31.4%, but those who said they supported the LDP surged from the 16.8% in the previous survey to 20.1%. In the meantime, 37.3% of the unaffiliated voters said they would vote for the DPJ, showing a decrease from the 41.5% in the previous survey. Yet, 24.2% of the unaffiliated voters have yet to determine which party will get their vote in the proportional representation blocs. In 10 of the 11 proportional representation blocs, more respondents chose the DPJ than those for the LDP. In the Chugoku bloc (11 seats),the LDP and the DPJ are waging close contests, with 35% each for both parties. The LDP's good fight in the bloc is attributed to strong performance by Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Ishiba (Tottori No. 1 constituency) and LDP Secretary General Hiroyuki Hosoda (Shimane No. 1 constituency),both of whom have maintained solid support bases in the bloc. In the Shikoku bloc (six seats),those who said they would vote for the DPJ accounted for 56.3%, while those for the LDP stood at only 15.6%. In the Kinki bloc, which holds the largest number of seats (29) among the proportional representation blocs (180 seats),22.8% picked the LDP, while 42% chose the DPJ. Meanwhile, support rate for the Aso cabinet rose 3 points to 20.5%, while non-support rate declined 6.1points to 66.6%. 3) DPJ proposes establishing UN police unit in security policy package SANKEI (Page 1) (Excerpts) August 11, 2009 TOKYO 00001825 003 OF 008 The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) is considering a plan to set up an international emergency police unit (tentative name) in the United Nations for military personnel and civilians to engage in settling international disputes, according to informed sources yesterday. If the party takes over the reins of government, it will work on the UN to set up the police unit. This plan is part of its efforts to underscore its stance of pursuing "an equal Japan-U.S. alliance" and of "placing emphasis on the UN" to domestic and foreign audiences. The main opposition party will also look into locating the headquarters and training facilities of the police unit in Okinawa, in line with efforts to reduce U.S. military bases there. According to a senior party member, President Yukio Hatoyama instructed officials in charge of security affairs this February, when he was secretary general, to map out this concept, aside from the party's policy platform (manifesto) for the upcoming House of Representatives election. The plan was included in a draft policy package compiled in late July. As a senior member of the Policy Research Council said: "The policy package is a collection of a variety of views from a number of party members," the package is expected to become a guideline for a DPJ government's security policy. The package puts forth "a strategic concept to bring about peace" and "growing out of excessive dependence on the U.S." as its basic principles. The envisioned police unit would be composed of civilians, police officers, military personnel, judicial officers, and experts for emergency aid. Those who would voluntarily join the unit would be dispatched to settle international disputes at an early stage under the UN. Similar proposals have been made by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Sadako Ogata and others in the past. 4) DPJ perplexed by Hatoyama's wavering on codification of three non-nuclear principles ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) August 11, 2009 Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama has been going back and forth on his statements on the three non-nuclear principles. Although he had been negative about codifying the three principles, he suddenly indicated on August 9, the anniversary of Nagasaki's atomic bombing, that the possibility would be studied. This vacillation that followed his remark suggesting a possible review of the three principles is causing widespread bafflement in the party. At a meeting with an atomic bombing victims' group in Nagasaki on August 9, Hatoyama indicated that the codification of the three principles will be considered. He said: "How can we protect (the three non-nuclear principles)? I think one option is codification. Now that you have made the request, I promise that the party will study (codification) carefully." However, he had just stated at a news conference on August 4 that, "On the other hand, there is the risk that the law may be amended." The Social Democratic Party (SDP) had been making its demand to the DPJ to legislate the three principles into law. SDP leader Mizuho Fukushima said at her news conference on August 10 that, "We are TOKYO 00001825 004 OF 008 glad we persuaded (the DPJ)." However, there is no indication that the DPJ had engaged in prior coordination with the SDP in consideration of the latter's position. DPJ Policy Research Committee chief Masayuki Naoshima could only say on August 10 that: "I have no information on this. I will confirm with the president." Hatoyama has been zigzagging on his statements on the three non-nuclear principles. When he was asked by reporters on the alleged secret agreement on the U.S. forces' bringing nuclear weapons into Japan on July 14, he answered: "This matter has been dealt with in a pragmatic way under a situation where the three principles are upheld. We should think in that direction because there is indeed a need, such as in relation to the North Korea issue." This was taken to mean that a review is possible, but on the next day, Hatoyama dismissed such a possibility: "The three non-nuclear principles are being observed right now and will not be violated in the near future." On the other hand, he stressed that the issue "should be discussed vigorously between Japan and the U.S." The inconsistency of his statements has come under fire. The DPJ's policy index published in July had a passage on "taking the lead in the eradication of nuclear weapons" but made no mention of the three non-nuclear principles or the secret nuclear agreement. Party officials say that "Mr Hatoyama tends to change his statements in consideration of the people he is meeting with at the moment." If he becomes the prime minister after a change of administration, his qualifications may also be questioned, as in the case of Prime Minister Taro Aso. One DPJ House of Councillors member says: "If he said that just because he was in Nagasaki, he is likely to be criticized for paying only lip service. I hope he shuts up." 5) Main points of DPJ's draft security policies SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) August 11, 2009 Basic policies With the growing trend of multipolarization in the world, Japan should treasure its independence and self-respect and search for a new mode of the Japan-U.S. alliance with the Obama administration of the United States. It needs a strategic thinking on the creation of peace and should break away from over-dependence on the U.S. The U.S. presence should be for the primary purpose of responding to factors of instability in Asia. Therefore, it is possible to work with a notion centered on the Seventh Fleet. With regard to right of self-defense, this should be dealt with as a question limited to Japan's defense based on the hitherto theoretical debate on right of individual or collective self-defense. A domestic organization (such as a UN standby rapid response unit) for participation in UN peacekeeping operations (PKO) not premised on the use of force will be created. The Self-Defense Forces (SDF) will assume such duties in the transition period before the creation of the new organization. We would like to realize the plan to create an "international emergency policy force" as a UN body. It will be meaningful to invite the headquarters and training facility of this police force to be located in Okinawa along with efforts to reduce TOKYO 00001825 005 OF 008 U.S. military bases in Okinawa. Afghanistan There can be no solution through war. A solution should be sought through mediation for the cessation of hostilities, development projects, police reform, and the revival of the traditional tribal conference system. We will seek ways to make contributions other than the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA),U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) realignment SOFA will be reviewed drastically. A mechanism for direct consultations between the local communities hosting bases and the U.S. forces, similar to that in Germany, will be set up. USFJ realignment will be reviewed from scratch. The principle of "not constructing any new U.S. military bases in Okinawa" should be established clearly. Host nation support is a legacy of the past era. Nuclear disarmament, other issues We give full support to President Obama's proposals for nuclear disarmament. We must persuade the United States and Russia to include China's strategic nuclear weapons and mid-range nuclear capability in disarmament talks. SDF overseas missions will be limited to those having the prior approval of the Diet. 6) DPJ adds economic growth strategy to manifesto, stops short of setting numerical targets SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) August 11, 2009 The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) decided on August 10 to clarify the party's economic growth strategy by including passages on "increasing disposable income (net income after deducting taxes and social security fees) in order to expand domestic demand" in its manifesto (campaign pledges) for the House of Representatives election. The DPJ wants to emphasize that disposable income will increase with its policies of introducing the "child allowance" system, toll free expressways, and so forth to counter the criticism from the government and the ruling parties that "there can be no economic recovery under a party without an economic growth strategy." (Prime Minister Taro Aso) Its Policy Research Committee chief Masayuki Naoshima will hold a news conference on August 11 to announce the final version of the manifesto. Naoshima stressed at a briefing on the DPJ's manifesto in Aomori City on August 10 that, "We formulated our policies based on the formula of increasing the disposable income of a person with a 4 million yen annual income by 20 percent as an easy-to-understand goal." He indicated that economic growth is possible with the DPJ's major policies, including child allowance, toll free expressways, income compensation for farming households, and abolition of temporary gasoline tax rates. However, Naoshima stopped short of setting a numerical target for economic growth. He said: "While many people think of growth TOKYO 00001825 006 OF 008 strategy as giving figures for economic growth, this is difficult for the people to understand." The final version of the manifesto will also have an entry on "legislation on a body for consultations between the national and local governments" in response to a strong demand from the national association of governors. With regard to the free trade agreement (FTA) with the U.S., the wording will be changed from "concluding" a FTA to "promoting negotiations" for a FTA, out of consideration for the agricultural groups. This means that the DPJ will also be revising its manifesto on growth strategy, in addition to the Japan-U.S. FTA. In light of this, Secretary General Katsuya Okada said in a speech on August 10 that, "Our goal to conclude a FTA in four years remains unchanged." It appears that Okada was trying to dodge criticisms of "opportunism" from the ruling parties by stressing the party's goal to conclude a FTA. 7) DPJ Okada explains change of expression on FTA with U.S. MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full) August 11, 2009 The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) had initially included in its policy platform (manifesto) for the upcoming House of Representatives election a plan to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) with the U.S. But the party later changed the word "conclude" to "promote negotiations." On this change, Secretary General Katsuya Okada emphasized yesterday: "Our basic stance remains unchanged," adding: "since a partner is involved, we cannot make a decision on our own. We judged it desirable to use the expression, 'promote negotiations'." He made this remark in replying to a question at a lecture in Tokyo. Okada said: "It would be desirable if various problems were settled in the next four years (before the next election) and (Japan and the U.S.) could conclude a FTA, but it is also true that very difficult problems exist." By saying, "We have yet to consider lowering or abolishing tariffs on mainstay agricultural products," he indicated that 'promote negotiations' is an appropriate expression reflecting feasibility. 8) Prime minister hints that he will not visit Yasukuni Shrine SANKEI (Page 2) (Full) August 11, 2009 Prime Minister Taro Aso on the evening of August 10 hinted at his intention not to visit Yasukuni Shrine on August 15, saying, "The shrine should be kept far away from political or media frenzies. It is a place for people to offer quiet prayers." He made this remark in response to a question asked by reporters at the Kantei. The prime minister in a magazine issued in 2006 proposed turning Yasukuni Shrine into a non-religious corporation. On that occasion, he said: "Even if a touch of uncertainty remains about the principle of separation of religion and government, Yasukuni visits by imperial family members, the prime minister, or cabinet ministers TOKYO 00001825 007 OF 008 will become unstable. If they are forced to visit the shrine, their actions will politicize the Yasukuni Shrine issue. Yasukuni Shrine must be kept completely separate from politics." With that statement in mind, the prime minister told reporters on the 10th, "That is my answer to the Yasukuni issue." He also stated, "It is wrong to make a political issue out of those who gave their precious lives for their country or use the issue in election campaigns." 9) First emergency yen loans to go to Thailand YOMIURI (Page 2) (Excerpt) August 11, 2009 The government has firmed up its intention to provide Thailand with approximately 25 billion yen as the first emergency policy-assistance yen loan that Japan will make available to Asian countries hit by the global financial and economic crisis. The cabinet will soon approve the internal decision. TUNA DISPUTE 10) U.S., European countries eye bluefin tuna trade ban YOMIURI (Top Play) (Full) August 11, 2009 The U.S. and leading European countries have begun considering placing a blanket trade ban on bluefin tuna, the best-quality tuna used for sushi and sashimi. Monaco has decided to propose regulating the catch of Atlantic tuna in the Atlantic Ocean or the Mediterranean Sea at a conference of parties of the Washington Treaty to be held in Qatar in March next year. It is now working on other European countries to join its efforts. Separate from this move, the U.S. has also started looking into a similar action. If the proposal is adopted, bluefin tuna prices will skyrocket, which will have a major impact on Japan, the greatest tuna importer. Britain, France and Germany considering supporting Monaco proposal According to the Fisheries Agency, Monaco intends to draft a proposal to include bluefin tuna in Appendix I of the Treaty of Washington, which totally bans commercial trade of endangered species, like whales and sea turtles. France, Britain and the Netherlands are considering supporting Monaco's proposal. Separate from the moves in Europe, the U.S. is now considering whether to subject Atlantic tuna to the regulation. It is now gathering opinions from citizens. Regulating the catch of bluefin tuna requires approval of more than two-thirds of votes at the signatory countries' conference. The Japanese government intends to work on concerned countries to oppose Monaco's proposal, citing that regulating the catch of bluefin tuna lacks legitimacy in scientific terms. Conservation groups strongly working on various countries' governments to protect bluefin tuna are behind Monaco's move. Japan consumes approximately 4.3 tons of bluefin tuna (in 2008) a year, accounting for 80 percent of the amount caught in the world. It TOKYO 00001825 008 OF 008 imports about 40 percent of that amount. If a trade embargo is placed on bluefin tuna, Japan will only be able to consume about 2.3 tons of Pacific tuna caught within 200 nautical miles. International tuna catch regulations targeting other varieties of tuna, such as yellowfin tuna, are also becoming stricter. 11) Japan to propose regulating blue fin tuna catch with aim of avoiding total trade embargo YOMIURI (Page 7) (Full) August 11, 2009 Moves to look into imposing an embargo on blue fin trade have emerged in Europe and the U.S. The Japanese government's stance is that it wants to avoid the worst case scenario - a total ban on the export and import of the fish -- by strengthening the regulation on blue fin catch. In November last year the Internal Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT),an organization that controls tuna resources in the Atlantic Ocean, decided to strengthen the regulation, by cutting the blue fin catch quota in the Mediterranean Sea and the East Atlantic Ocean by 35 percent from a base of the 2008 level by 2011. Following the current situation, the Japanese government plans to propose at a meeting of the commission in November this year further cutting catch quotas. There are five regional fishing control organizations that are making efforts to protect tuna resources, including the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, as well as the ICCAT. The Japanese government intends to convey its stance to those organizations as well. However, some have pointed out that since those regional control organizations follow a unanimous agreement principle, it is difficult for them to adopt a stronger fish catch regulation. It is also difficult for them to implement tougher punishments against poachers. As such, some believe it is difficult to prevent poaching. There is no knowing whether Japan can obtain European and U.S. understanding for a proposal for toughening the fish catch regulation alone. ZUMWALT